4 month old hates tummy time

Tracy - posted on 02/15/2011
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no matter what i do,my little preemie girl hates tummy time.she just hates being on her belly. she got so mad today that she turned beat red and was screaming crying and started to sweat on her head. she is starting to rock side to side but the problem i having most with is she is lazy and doesnt lift her head while doing tummy time. maybe an inch the most.but then keeps it on the floor.i think i have tried every way,she just does not like it. and she keeps one arm somewhat out so she cant roll even if she could. which i doubt.maybe im just freaking because she was a preemie and expect more. i think she is starting to get a small flat spot which i dont want. that is why im trying to push tummy time more.

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Yisselle - posted on 02/15/2011

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Dont worry! I used to have the same problem with my son, now 20 months, but once he learned to roll he stayed in his tummy without crying. The problem was me putting him in that posotion. He learned to roll kind of late (5 months) but in just two months he was already crawling, so dont push it, everything will fall in to place.

Hi Tracey, as others have said, maybe she's not quite ready for those developmental milestones, like lifting her head etc. The ages given are only guidelines, and all babies develop at different rates. I'd be backing off the tummy time for a while. Any flat spots will soon disappear.So I don't think she's lazy at all, just not ready.

My son hated tummy time at 4 months too, he had very similar reactions that you daughter has. I got a U shape pillow and put that under his chest/arms and that helped a bit. I kepted putting him on his tummy for 5 minutes here and there and he eventually got use to it. He is now 9 months old and I cant keep him off his tummy. Dont push her but give her time on and off her tummy, she will get use to it over time. Good luck.

My 11 month old still hates tummy time! She prefers to be on her back or sitting. She doesn't crawl if she wants to get somewhere she scoots around on her but. We never forced tummy time and she holds her head just fine. I agree with laura stop pushing it right now. She's only four months old and was a preemie so your expectations are probably a little high. Oh and as difficult as it is do not compare her to other babies if you're concerned with her development speak to your pediatrician.

I suggest backing off of the tummy time for now; your daughter is in obvious distress over that position. She may not have the muscle strength or coordination to effectively cope in that position and she becomes frightened and frustrated. I would wait a few weeks and try the position again when she is a bit older. Besides, a lot of babies develop a slight flat spot (my daughter did!) and it goes away once they can hold up their head. Have some patience with your daughter, she will develop the neccessary strength and skill in time. Good luck!